The surveys were completed in JANUARY and FEBRUARY. THE JACOBS MEDIA team has been busily compiling the data and searching for new insights.

A radio topic that has fallen through the cracks during the past couple decades revolves around station merchandise – hats, shirts, and other branded logo products sold or given away as promotional items. For mainly economic reasons, many stations no longer produce “merch.” But we wondered whether there’s audience interest in purchasing branded products if they were made available.

More than one-fourth of respondents express interest in purchasing “merch” for their favorite station if they could.

JACOBS MEDIA Pres. FRED JACOBS, who will present this year’s TECHSURVEY at WWRS 2019, commented, “Radio broadcasters are always in search of non-spot revenue. And for the biggest and most popular brands, there appears to be ample opportunity to cash in on branded merchandise. Not only can this activity be profitable, but it also serves to visibly promote the station in its local community.”

TECHSURVEY2019 focuses on new media, gadgetry, and platforms, with deep dives this year into smart speakers and podcasting. It also uncovers consumer habits and trends – like holiday shopping, news burnout, satellite radio listening, and even perceptions about so-called “fake news.”

JACOBS concluded, “TECHSURVEY 2019 results on station merch differs depending on demographic, format, and of course, the station’s brand strength. But for many broadcasters, there’s opportunity in station merch. Join us for the full presentation at the WORLDWIDE RADIO SUMMIT 2019, MARCH 27-29 in BURBANK, with the TECHSURVEY 2019 reveal on THURSDAY MARCH 28 at 11A. Hope to see you there.”